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    skyman2112's Avatar
    skyman2112 Posts: 12, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 25, 2007, 02:41 PM
    46" MTD 20.5hp Hard to turn over
    Hi group, my riding mower is hard to start. Starter can barely turn the engine over past the compression stroke. Have to turn the key a couple times to get it to go past compression then it will start to spin continuously instead of just half a turn. Tried jumping it from my truck and the starter still would stop at the compression stroke. Replaced the battery and solenoid also. Sounds like the starter I know, but it has done this since new in '98. Now its getting worse. What about the valve adjustment? Thanks in advance
    Morrowrj's Avatar
    Morrowrj Posts: 345, Reputation: 22
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    #2

    Apr 25, 2007, 04:00 PM
    This sounds like valve adjustment to me. I would check out :How are the valves properly serviced? On the Briggs And Stratton site.


    Good luck,
    Morrowrj
    skyman2112's Avatar
    skyman2112 Posts: 12, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #3

    Apr 25, 2007, 05:25 PM
    Thanks man, sounds tough to adjust the L-head. Doesn't sound like there's any adjustment other than grinding the valve tip. You know anything about this engine type?
    newaukumdon's Avatar
    newaukumdon Posts: 525, Reputation: 44
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    #4

    Apr 27, 2007, 09:31 PM
    Starter motors will cause the same sympton.

    Don
    acicomp's Avatar
    acicomp Posts: 81, Reputation: 9
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    #5

    Apr 29, 2007, 05:40 AM
    EVen if it is the starter, it still can't hurt to check the valve clearance. I just went through that on my OHV Briggs and now it runs better than ever. I too, thought it was the starter.
    newaukumdon's Avatar
    newaukumdon Posts: 525, Reputation: 44
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    #6

    Apr 29, 2007, 05:46 AM
    Not an overhead engine, would have to grind valve stem down and not a suspect on flat head engines. (Usually)

    Don
    skyman2112's Avatar
    skyman2112 Posts: 12, Reputation: 2
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    #7

    May 3, 2007, 03:40 PM
    Well I pulled the spark plug wires and it turned over a little easier but not much. Could it be a sheard flywheel pin is making the timing off? My local mower guy suggested that. He also agreed flatheads (L-head) are not suspect for valve adjustments. Maybe it is the starter.
    newaukumdon's Avatar
    newaukumdon Posts: 525, Reputation: 44
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    #8

    May 3, 2007, 05:31 PM
    If it turns freely by hand it is the starter motor.

    Don
    skyman2112's Avatar
    skyman2112 Posts: 12, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #9

    May 16, 2007, 03:06 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by newaukumdon
    If it turns freely by hand it is the starter motor.

    Don
    Motor is hard to turn over by hand. Flathead engine. Totally lost.:eek:

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